I doubt anyone has ever mentioned that you appear extremely joyful or that you grin excessively.

Why is it that whenever we feel negative emotions like grief, despair, or depression, we are often expected to overcome them within a certain timeframe? In our modern society, it is also considered unacceptable to openly share feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear, or general unhappiness.

My brother died at the tender age of 12 and left such a void in our lives that my entire family grieved his loss for decades. Fortunately, we were raised to accept this as a perfectly normal and natural process for us. We all understood that we would work through our feelings of grief and loss in our own way and at our own pace. We did not grieve according to a schedule or set of societal rules.

A helpful approach to understanding and dealing with emotions is to compare them to how our body processes food. Similar to the way we break down, digest, and absorb nutrients from food, we also need to process our emotions to extract the valuable lessons and insights they offer for personal growth.

And just as no one needs to tell your body what to do or how to digest the food you eat, there is no need for anyone to tell you how to process your emotions. We all have our own innate process that is perfect for each of us as an individual and serves us in a perfect, natural order. But when an outside influence or source tries to interfere, even with the best of intentions, things often start to go wrong.

Apologies should never be made for expressing emotions. By doing so, you are essentially apologizing for being honest and genuine.

The emotions that we are advised to repress need an outlet. Ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear entirely. Instead, they are stored in our unconscious mind and in our cellular memory. If we don’t address and release them in a healthy manner, they will grow and become harmful to our mental and physical well-being until they find a resolution.

When we entered into this realm, into this specific version of reality, we were given the gift of having and controlling our thoughts and emotions in any situation. When did it become a disadvantage to openly express negative feelings? How did these emotions acquire their labels of positive or negative? Who made the decision for us that it was acceptable to experience joy, but not acceptable to feel sadness?

Our ancestors were lucky. They were privileged when it came to expressing their true feelings because they had communal practices and rituals that provided socially accepted ways of expressing and processing emotions such as grief, anger, and sadness. These practices played a critical role in the social fabric and psychological well-being of the tribe or community.

In traditional societies, community gatherings and rituals were integral to the processing of emotions. When someone experienced loss or hardship, the community would come together to share in the grief. Rituals and ceremonies provided a framework for collectively expressing these emotions, strengthening social bonds and providing a sense of belonging and support.

Numerous societies had distinct traditions and practices to handle grief and challenging emotions. These practices typically encompassed mourning periods, specific rituals, and activities intended to honor the departed or recognize personal hardships. These endeavors were not solitary in nature, but rather communal events that fostered a supportive atmosphere for individuals to navigate their emotional struggles.

Living in close-knit communities also allowed for more immediate and ongoing support. There was less stigma attached to expressing vulnerability or sadness because these emotions were understood and respected as universal human experiences.

You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to ~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Modern society highly values positivity and productivity, making it challenging for individuals to openly acknowledge and handle their negative emotions in a beneficial manner. Society imposes significant pressure on individuals to constantly showcase happiness, energy, and accomplishments, while disregarding or minimizing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or apprehension. Exhibiting negative emotions is often perceived as a display of vulnerability or inadequacy.

Today, we must deal with our feelings in private, rather than in social and public settings. This isolation then contributes further to the negative emotions we experience and makes it more difficult to seek or receive support. There is also still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health issues, even in the most progressive circles and nations, which further discourages people who are suffering from seeking help or openly sharing their struggles.

I encourage you to personally explore and interpret your emotions, giving yourself the necessary time to process and release them in a way that feels right to you. It’s important not to let others dictate how you should feel or impose time limits on your healing process. No one should tell you to quickly recover or move on from something that deeply affects you.

The healthier we grow when we behave in a manner that aligns with our inherent nature. Feel free to consistently own and reveal your genuine emotions.

The significance of accepting and conveying our genuine emotions

In a world that often encourages us to hide or suppress our true feelings, it is more important than ever to embrace and express our authentic emotions. Many of us have been taught to believe that showing vulnerability or strong emotions indicates weakness, but the reality is that embracing and expressing our genuine emotions is vital for our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Authentic emotions are the real feelings that arise within us in response to various situations or experiences. They can range from happiness and excitement to sadness, anger, or fear. These emotions are a fundamental part of our individuality, and ignoring or repressing them can have harmful effects on our overall health.

One of the main reasons why embracing and expressing authentic emotions is important is that it allows us to form genuine and meaningful connections with others. When we are open and honest about how we feel, we create an atmosphere of trust and authenticity. This openness not only helps us develop deeper connections with loved ones but also enables us to attract like-minded individuals who appreciate and accept us for who we truly are.

Furthermore, embracing and expressing authentic emotions is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. When we suppress or deny our feelings, they tend to accumulate inside us, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. By allowing ourselves to experience and express our emotions, we release the pent-up energy associated with them, which can provide a sense of relief and emotional balance.

Moreover, embracing and expressing authentic emotions can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves. Our emotions serve as valuable signals that provide insight into our needs, desires, and values. By paying attention to these emotions and allowing ourselves to fully experience them, we can gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us. This self-awareness can guide us in making decisions that align with our authentic selves and lead to greater fulfillment and happiness.

Additionally, embracing and expressing authentic emotions can contribute to our physical well-being. Research has shown that suppressing emotions can have negative effects on our physical health, including increased blood pressure, weakened immune system, and higher risk of chronic illnesses. On the other hand, allowing ourselves to experience and express our emotions in a healthy way can help reduce stress levels, boost our immune system, and promote overall well-being.

It is important to note that embracing and expressing authentic emotions does not mean acting impulsively or without considering others. It is about finding healthy ways to acknowledge, process, and communicate our feelings. This can involve journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, engaging in creative outlets such as art or music, or practicing mindfulness and self-reflection.